The money will help establish the Center for College and Career Preparedness in the All Across Texas internship program. The center will make it easier for college students, teachers and administrators to request speakers, schedule field trips and seek professional development.

“I was able to experience hands-on projects. It was a fantastic learning experience and gave me a real sense of accomplishment,” said Moore, who now works for a Dallas-area software engineering firm. “The program allowed me to work closely with industry professionals, and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in the program.”

All Across Texas provides a single point of outreach for 30 companies to market 200 paid internships to students, in addition to providing students with professional and leadership development and mentoring. Texas university undergraduates in engineering and computer science programs are eligible to participate.

“There is great economic opportunity in Texas, and we have plenty of young people with the mental horsepower it takes to complete a high-tech degree, so we’re working harder to connect the two,” Gov. Perry said. “The All Across Texas internship program is the next step in our efforts to improve the quality of education in our state and further groom our workforce to compete in the global marketplace.”

Participants are directed to internship opportunities on each company’s web page via the All Across Texas website. Interns are required to participate in professional development programs, including lectures, demonstrations and mentoring by industry experts.